Day 1 to 4: Antanananarivo to Nosy Be Archipelago & Nosy Komba – Madagascar

Your epic Madagascar Trip begins with a flight from Antananarivo to the beautiful Nosy Be Archipelago, located off the northwest coast of Madagascar. The archipelago is a tropical paradise renowned for its lush landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. It is made up of several islands that offer an exotic mix of serene beaches, rich biodiversity, and opportunities for snorkelling, diving, and exploring local cultures.

You will be collected upon your arrival at Nosy Be Airport on Nosy Be, the largest island. From Hell-City, the main town, take a 30-minute boat crossing to Nosy Komba (meaning ‘island of lemurs’), a beautiful volcanic island that will be your base for the first four nights. Your intimate luxury lodge provides a relaxing setting to unwind in an eco-paradise known for its tranquillity and breathtaking beauty.

Your first days in Madagascar are yours to spend as you wish. Relax on your private veranda overlooking the ocean and enjoy the complimentary use of snorkelling gear to marvel at the rich marine life. Explore the island by kayak or SUP (Stand-up Paddleboard), savour exquisite French cuisine prepared by the on-site chef, pamper yourself with a spa treatment, or enjoy a game of beach tennis or volleyball. For those seeking adventure, optional activities are available such as scuba diving, fishing, guided hikes in the forest, visits to village markets, or excursions to the Lemur Park on the other side of the island.

• Included Activity: Boat Transfer, Snorkelling, Kayaks & SUPs
• Optional Activity: Scuba Diving, Fishing, Spa Treatments, Lemur Park excursion, and more
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Nosy Be to Antananarivo – Madagascar

After a leisurely breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to Nosy Komba as you catch the boat back to Nosy Be. On arrival, head for the airport to catch a return flight to Antananarivo city where your Madagascar Trip began. Check into your Hotel & Spa in downtown Antananarivo which features an outdoor pool, spa, and restaurant offering panoramic city views and delicious local and French cuisine. Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo, is a vibrant city perched on a mountain range surrounded by scenic landscapes. Known as the “City of Thousands,” it is here that the first king began unifying the various kingdoms of the island. The city has historic charm with cobbled streets, colonial buildings and ancient palaces that sit alongside bustling markets and contemporary urban life.

The rest of the day is free to explore the city or relax at the hotel.

• Included Activity: Boat transfer, Airport Transfer
• Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 & 7: Antananarivo to Andasibe – Madagascar

After breakfast, head out of Antananarivo in a 4×4 vehicle through the lush, humid landscapes of eastern Madagascar towards Andasibe. Pass through villages of the Merina people nestled on rocky mountainsides and enjoy views of rice fields, waterfalls, and forested areas. Your lodge for the next two nights is set in the heart of a forest on the doorstep of Andasibe Special Reserve, some 150 km (93 miles) east of Antananarivo.

Settle into your private bungalow with a deck looking onto a lake and private reserve, home to lemurs, reptiles, and other endemic species. Relax by the pool or dine on the terrace of the on-site restaurant that offers delicious French-inspired cuisine. At 19h00 set out for a guided night walk in search of night-active lemurs and the other fascinating nocturnal animals of the region.

Day 7 of your Madagascar Trip is devoted to exploring the nearby Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. The reserve spans 155 square kilometres (60 square miles) of primary rainforest in eastern Madagascar supporting a rich biodiversity, including 11 lemur species and numerous rare and endangered animals. Your guide will take you in search of the lemurs and other animals, including the Indri Indri, the largest of Madagascar’s lemurs known for their distinctive rhythmic calls. You will also visit an orchid garden.

In the afternoon, head to the V.O.I.M.M.A Community Reserve nearby, a community-managed conservation area established by local villagers to protect their forests and the endemic species. The reserve offers visitors a more intimate and less crowded experience than larger national parks. The visit promises sightings of brown lemurs, indri, chameleons, geckos and more. As the sun begins to set, head back to the serene setting of the lodge.

• Included Activity: Guided Night Walk, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park & VOIIMMA Reserve Visit
• Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8: Andasibe to Antananarivo – Madagascar

After breakfast, you will return to Antananarivo in the 4×4 vehicles, making a stop at a Reptile & Butterfly Farm along the way. On arrival in the city, enjoy a brief city orientation tour. Check back into your Hotel & Spa in the late afternoon, located in downtown Antananarivo.

• Included Activity: Reptile & Butterfly Farm Visit, City Orientation Tour
• Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 to 11: Antananarivo to Fort Dauphin & Ifotaka – Madagascar

After breakfast, a transfer will take you to Antananarivo’s Ivato Airport to catch a two-hour flight to Fort Dauphin, on Madagascar’s southeastern coast (flight not included). Upon arrival, you’ll be met by your guide and enjoy lunch in the city of Fort Dauphin before embarking on a three-hour drive west to the town of Ifotaka. Your journey will take you through diverse landscapes that range from rice paddies to lush tropical plateaus and arid regions of sisal plantations, headed towards the Antandroy Spiny Forest.

For the next three nights, you will stay at a luxury tented camp situated under Tamarind trees along the banks of the Mandrare River, close to the sacred ancestral forest of the Antandroy Tribe. Luxury tents offer the perfect blend of comfort and nature, each with an en-suite bathroom and private deck overlooking the river. Relax with a drink in the lounge area, refresh in the pool and indulge in delicious meals, including fresh croissants, local seafood, and excellent Zebu steaks, produced by the camp chef.

After the sun has descended to the horizon, set off on a night walk in the Spiny Forest in search of its chameleons, birds and animals including daytime lemurs, like Ringtail Lemurs and Verreaux’s Sifaka, seeking out their resting spots, while nocturnal lemurs, like White-footed Sportive Lemurs and Grey and Grey-Brown Mouse Lemurs, are just waking up and coming to life.

On Day 10 of your Madagascar Trip, enjoy a leisurely breakfast by the river before a visit to the sacred Gallery Forest, a deciduous Tamarind forest nearby. The vast canopy is home to inquisitive groups of Ringtailed Lemurs and the ever-entertaining Sifaka. Depending on the water levels, head out on foot or boat.

Return to camp for lunch and some relaxation time. Mid-afternoon, set off on a guided walk through the sacred Spiny Forest which is home to ancestral tombs of the Antandroy tribe. This vast desert forest stretching across southwestern Madagascar is biologically significant as it receives only 12 to 24 inches of rain annually. Plants have adapted to the dry conditions – they are covered in spines to discourage grazing animals and have small leathery leaves to keep in moisture. Learn about the cultural heritage of the Antandroy people, and then relax on the banks of the Mandrare River, where you can enjoy a sundowner as you watch the setting sun.

Day 11 begins early with a quick tea or coffee before taking a dawn walk through the Spiny Forest once more, keeping an eye out for unique birds like the crested coua as the morning light streams through the trees. After breakfast, visit the local Antandroy village and explore the local market. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in local traditions and visit a traditional healer. Otherwise, unwind on your private terrace as you watch riverside life unfold. In the late afternoon, head off to celebrate the setting sun with a sundowner drink in Baobab Alley, a row of iconic 800-year-old baobab trees. In the evening there may be an opportunity to witness traditional dances performed by the local village, offering a glimpse into the vibrant Antandroy culture.

• Included Activities: Spiny Forest night & morning walks, Guided Gallery Forest visit, Baobab Alley Sundowners
• Optional Activities: Village Visit
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 12: Ifotaka to Tolanaro (Fort Dauphin) – Madagascar

After breakfast, embark on a 3-hour drive back to Fort Dauphin. Named Tolanaro in Malagasy, Fort Dauphin is a city on Madagascar’s southeastern coast, offering visitors a mix of historical charm, scenic landscapes, and outdoor activities like hiking and surfing. It has been a port of local importance since the early 1500s.

Tonight you will stay at a serene boutique hotel overlooking the ocean near Libanona beach. Rooms come with private outdoor decks perfect for watching the sunset. Day 12 of your Madagascar Trip is free for you to explore as you wish.

• Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 13: Tolagnaro (Fort Dauphin) to Antananarivo – Madagascar

After a final breakfast overlooking the ocean, head to the airport for your scheduled flight back to Antananarivo. Here your exciting Madagascar Trip comes to an end and you are able to make your onward connection.

• Activity Included: Airport Transfer
• Meals Included: Breakfast

Madagascar Trip Notes

It is advisable to fly in the day before and fly out the day after this Madagascar Trip ends in Antananarivo to allow for delays and changes. Simply ask your friendly travel advisor to add pre-and/or post-tour accommodation to your safari booking.

NOTE: During the peak travel seasons of 09 July 2025 to 31 August 2025 and 19 December 2025 to 09 January 2026 this 13-day Madagascar Trip becomes a 14-day tour. This is due to a minimum night stay policy at some accommodation establishments during these peak travel times. For pricing details see the Madagascar Trip full pricing.

Madagascar Flights

Note that local and international flight costs are not included in this Madagascar Trip and will be quoted separately at the time of booking. Our friendly travel advisors will be able to advise on your options and make bookings on your behalf through our flight partners.

Madagascar Tour Accommodation

Accommodation on this Madagascar Beach & Lemur Tour is in comfortable, superior rooms with en-suite bathrooms.

For more details contact African Budget Safaris